“In this Senate chamber as we speak there are people here who are assigned to take care of us, the staff and all the tourists that come here,” Reid said on the Senate floor Thursday. “There are people here who are assigned to do everything they can to keep this magnificent Capitol safe.

“We are grateful that every day devoted men and women like them guard these hallowed halls.”

In college, Reid served as a Capitol Police officer.

In 1998, a man who tried to enter the Capitol with a gun shot and killed officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson.

“In 1998, two of those dedicated police officers gave their lives while protecting the Capitol. They were Special Agent John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut,” Reid said. “Sixteen years ago today, a man entered the House side of the Capitol Building with a gun and shot Officer Chestnut at point blank range. Agent Gibson warned tourists and staff to take cover and then confronted the gunman. Although Agent Gibson was also shot, he prevented anyone else from being killed.”